The 10 best affordable small cities in the US as a third of Americans shun big-city life

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If living in a big city is too big, but a small town too small, buying a home in a small city just might be the perfect middle ground.

Almost one-third of Americans say they’d prefer the suburbs over a big city, and the cost of housing and other expenses is clearly one factor driving them toward greener pastures.

But since country living may be a little too sleepy, small cities hit that sweet spot with plenty to do at a more budget-friendly price—and a new survey has found the best of the bunch.

WalletHub has ranked the best 1,318 small cities in America with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, analyzing 45 key indicators of livability that fall into these categories: affordability, economic health, education and health, safety, and quality of life.

“Moving from a bustling metropolis city to a small city could drastically cut down your cost of living,” says WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “On top of that, the best small cities offer strong job markets, high-quality education, good health care, safe living conditions, and plenty of local flair to help you achieve a high quality of life.”

Additionally, small cities offer a smoother commute than urban metros.

“With fewer residents and less congestion, travel within these cities is more convenient, which contributes to a better work-life balance,” says Lupo. “While they may be sacrificing some urban amenities, the combination of affordability and ease of living makes these small cities appealing alternatives to both larger cities and rural communities.”

Fair Lawn, New Jersey was ranked as one of the most affordable small cities in the country. Christopher Sadowski

If you’re planning to pack up and decamp to one of the best small cities, it would help if you like the Hoosier state.

Indiana dominates the list, with four of its small cities (Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and Noblesville) making the top 99th percentile, more than any other state.

Hometown of the Colts and the Pacers, Indiana is where native John Mellencamp penned the ultimate anthem to small towns: “Small Town.”

It’s got plenty of top-notch colleges, including Notre Dame, Purdue, and Indiana University.

Here are 10 of the best-ranked small affordable cities, along with their overall affordability rank and median price of a home.

Overall affordability rank: 19 Median listing price: $440,000

Fishers has the charm of a small town combined with the industry of larger metros; INCOG BioPharma Services is based here.

The Fishers Municipal Center in Fishers, Indiana. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

“Fishers is a leading hub for life sciences and biopharma manufacturing,” says Mayor Scott Fadness.

Fishers Event Center hosts major entertainers like standup comedian Leanne Morgan. There’s also a 70-acre waterfront park for swimming and nonmotor boats, walking trails, and playgrounds. Fishers ranks fifth in safety and 43rd in education and health.

Overall affordability rank: 20 Median listing price: $520,000

Only 20 minutes away by car from Fishers is Westfield. With no fewer than 11 parks, this small city offers plenty for nature lovers.

The heart of the town, Grand Junction Plaza, has loads of free entertainment, from concerts to movies. This small city ranks sixth in safety and 59th in education and health.

Overall affordability rank: 26 Median listing price: $530,000

“Carmel is probably the most expensive part of the state, and home to many Indiana celebrities,” says real estate investor Tyler Drew.

A big draw is the low unemployment rate (3%) combined with a high median annual household income ($133,000).

The downtown of Carmel, Indiana. City of Carmel, Indiana Government

It has a healthy community, with the fourth-lowest share of adults in fair or poor health, and the 23rd-lowest premature death rate in the country.

Its streets are safe, with the fourth-lowest pedestrian fatality rate and the 75th-lowest violent crime rate.

In case that doesn’t impress you, the town has no fewer than 140 roundabouts—more than any other U.S. locality—which contributes to its safe streets.

Overall affordability rank: 30 Median listing price: $600,000

Less than a half-hour from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Duke University, and 15 miles from an international airport, Apex combines the conveniences of a college town with the charm of a small city.

A house under construction in Apex, North Carolina. Shutterstock / Stuart Monk

There’s a historic downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants, and camping, fishing, and boating at nearby lakes.

Overall affordability rank: 35 Median listing price: $717,500

Home to Utah State University and its famous botanical gardens, Kaysville was settled by Latter-day Saints pioneers in 1847.

With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Kaysville has plenty for the outdoor enthusiast with parks, trails, and a large soccer pavilion.

Overall affordability rank: 76 Median listing price: $500,000

Brookfield, outside of Milwaukee, has a very low unemployment rate (3%), and only 3% of the city’s population lives in poverty, the 10th-lowest percentage among all the cities in the study.

Brookfield residents also have the 96th-highest homeownership rate in the country and the fifth-lowest share of residents in fair or poor health.

Its large city hospital, Elmbrook, with many specialized services, helps with that. Additionally, 98% of the population has health insurance, the 11th-highest percentage in the nation.

Overall affordability rank: 78 Median listing price: $400,000

A suburb along the White River and only 13 minutes north of Fishers, Noblesville is home to the Ruoff Music Center — a 25,000-seat amphitheater that draws famous musicians from around the world — and the Hamilton County Courthouse, one of the country’s more famous and stunning examples of Second Empire Style architecture.

Shops seen along North 9th Street in Noblesville, Indiana. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Overall affordability rank: 84 Median listing price: $739,000

Less than an hour away from Denver, Castle Rock is named for the iconic castle-shaped butte visible from downtown.

It’s also close to Castlewood Canyon State Park, where you can marvel at ancient geological formations, camp, hike, and perhaps glimpse a wolf.

Overall affordability rank: 98 Median listing price: $1.7 million

Brentwood’s website boasts not only “pristine hills and lush forests” but also a thriving retail and restaurant scene.

It’s ranked 58 in economic health and 60 in safety. The town ranks no lower than an 8 on the Realtor.com® school rankings for each of its schools.

It’s also something of a celebrity enclave, where musicians, actors, and other headline names have flocked for a slower pace of life away from the bright lights of Hollywood.

A new condominium complex under construction in Fair Lawn. Christopher Sadowski

Overall affordability rank: 101 Median listing price: $634,500

Located 12 miles northwest of New York City, Fair Lawn is a town that has kept its historical vibe. Its oldest house, the Garreston-Brocker home, was erected around 1708 and now functions as a museum.

The town’s website boasts of President George Washington visiting the area for each year of the Revolutionary War when he served as general.

It’s ranked 21 overall in safety and 34th in education and health.

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The 10 best affordable small cities in the US as a third of Americans shun big-city life

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